The power station uses supercritical steam technology, which reduces greenhouse gases emissions per energy unit delivered,[2] and air-cooled surface condensers, which reduces water consumption. The plant consumes 90% less water when compared to conventional power stations through the use of dry cooling technology.[3] The plant runs at 40 per cent efficiency, and requires 42 per cent less fuel input than conventional power stations.

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Kogan Creek consists of only one boiler-turbine-generator unit. At 750 MW, it is the largest single unit in Australia. Construction by a consortium led by Siemens commenced in 2004 and was completed in 2007.[4] It was opened by the Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson on 27 November 2007.[5]

The fuel source is the Kogan Creek coal deposit, which is also owned by CS Energy and will provide 2.8 million tonnes of black coal annually.[6] The coal is delivered to the power station via a 4 km long conveyor belt. The coal mine is operated by Golding Contractors, who has a contract to run the mine until 2018.[7]

The plant 40 per cent efficiency is reached raising the steam pressure to 250 bar at 560 °C.[8]

In April 2011, the Kogan Creek Solar Boost project was officially launched. Funding for the project includes a $70 million contribution from CS Energy and a contribution of more than $34 million from the Australian Government. The project will be constructed by Areva using superheated solar steam technology.[10] Kogan Creek Solar Boost will be the largest integration of solar technology with a coal-fired power station in the world. Construction started in 2011 and was originally scheduled for completion by 2013.[11][12] Difficulties with the project and commercial issues mean that it will now not be commissioned until 2015.[13][14]

The project involves the installation of a CLFR solar thermal system capable of generating 44 MW electrical at peak solar conditions.[15][16] Steam from the solar field is first further heated and then used to power the intermediate pressure turbine, thereby displacing coal.[17] Note that the 44 MW capacity is not additional to the full 744 MW net capacity of Kogan Creek, rather it is an estimated contribution towards the total generation.[18] The project will reduce carbon emissions by about 35,000 tonnes per year,[10] which is 0.8% of emissions, at a cost of only A$3 per tonne of carbon for the first year's emissions alone.